2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the forthcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Management Transition Follows Poor Reception
The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the dismissal of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming initial reveal last fall.
Recently, 2K president a key figure updated staff about this organizational change through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had shown the need for a distinct vision.
The president stated that the developers is now overhauling the project with a renewed approach, aiming to better meet gamer demands.
Trend of Strategic Acquisitions
This announcement echoes a comparable step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they brought on an industry veteran from Blizzard to contribute to the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.
Below is the entire message from Ismailer's announcement:
Team—
I understand you all just wrapped up your meeting - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Last time I sent you all a message, I expressed the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented designers we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re excited for that partnership to continue.”
Given your hard work and versatility, especially over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.
The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game testing phase was revealing. It confirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had improvements to make. It revealed the requirement for a more distinct identity.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the input to consideration and reimagined Project ETHOS with a revitalized goal - one that’s ready to deliver on its ambition to our fans.
The belief in this project strengthens every day. To advance the remarkable advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce the new hire as the incoming Studio Head of 31st Union. Following a period of conversations, Ben starts with us on Monday, October 20.
Ben’s management and background in the PVP shooter genre is vast, having spent the past decade and a half developing and leading some of the most popular franchises in the industry, such as the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.
Please join me in receiving Ben next week. We are all excited to keep witnessing the progress of Project ETHOS in the months to come.
The President
Experience of the New Leader
Brinkman presently holds the position of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in multiple production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had periods at other industry leaders.
Title Information and Vision
The upcoming game was unveiled in last year alongside a early access event. At the time, the developers presented the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative step forward on the style."
"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch explains. "Take on the rivals with new abilities, stakes, and tests that change every session. Do you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Alternatively aim high, gamble everything, and pray your group can achieve the highest spot? The option is yours."
The game has not yet received an announced debut schedule or platforms, but players can look forward to additional details as creation continues.
